Politics
LP Expresses Fury As NLC Names Interim Chairman For Gombe
The Lamidi Apapa wing of the Labour Party (LP) has raised objections to the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC) appointment of an interim chairman for the party in Gombe State, labeling the decision unacceptable.
Additionally, the Julius Abure faction expressed ignorance of the appointment, citing the presence of an existing substantive state chairman in Gombe.
This development exacerbates the existing rift between the NLC and LP leadership, with recent tensions culminating in accusations from the NLC against LP National Chairman Julius Abure of unilateral control over the party’s affairs.
Under the leadership of its National Secretary, Chris Uyot, the NLC political commission intervened by endorsing Sani Abdulsalam, the former Gombe LP Chairman reportedly ousted by the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee for alleged anti-party conduct.
Uyot announced Abdulsalam’s appointment to oversee the party’s affairs until local government elections are held in the state.
A copy of the letter detailing this decision was sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Department of State Services, Gombe State Police Command, and the Secretary to the Gombe State Government.
The letter partly read, “To whom it may concern. We bring you fraternal greetings from the NLC political commission. We write to communicate the appointment of Alhaji Sani Abdulsalam as interim Chairman of LP in Gombe.
“His appointment is for the period up till the conduct of local government elections in Gombe State. Thereafter, a more substantive state transition committee of the Labour Party in Gombe State will be constituted.
“While we look forward to your cooperation, please accept the renewed assurance of our highest esteem.”
In a telephone conversation on Sunday, Abayomi Arabambi, the spokesperson for the Apapa faction, distanced themselves from the arrangement.
Arabambi emphasized that the NLC lacked the authority to enforce any individual on the party.
He stated, “The NLC political commission is not a party. We intend to take very drastic constitutional action against them. Already, we have warned them not to disobey the constitution of our party. They are merely a pressure group.
“No section of the LP constitution ceded the control of the party to the NLC or TUC. Furthermore, it is rather unfortunate that while some well-meaning members of the party are striving and making attempts to steer the ship of the nation on the path of growth and genuine development towards the repositioning of our party for victory in 2027, the NLC and its political commission are determined to destroy, tear down and demolish the party on the quest for personal aggrandisement.”
The National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, echoed similar sentiments.
He affirmed that the LP already had a legitimate state chairman in Gombe and revealed that the Abure-led NWC was not informed about the recent development.
Ifoh clarified that Abdulsalam, the endorsed figure, was previously removed from his position as state chairman due to alleged anti-party actions.
He stated, “We are unaware of this development as the Labour Party maintains its leadership structure in Gombe State. We have LP chairmen established in all 36 states and the FCT. In Gombe, we are already working with a chairman recognized by INEC.”
“Anybody can come out to claim he appoints somebody. Just like INEC, we are not aware of it. The so-called appointed person, Abdulsalam, was a former chairman disengaged by LP for anti-party activities.
“A new leadership was elected into office after his exit. But because of the conflict we had with the NLC, the same man went around to congress and they recognised him.
“However, I think it is a mere recognition and not an appointment in the true sense. But we are not interested in joining issues with anybody in the media. For now, we are gradually working towards resolving the crisis between LP and NLC.”
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has dismissed claims that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, poses any serious political threat to the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Mic On Podcast on Saturday, Dare insisted that the Federal Government remains focused on governance rather than political distractions, arguing that its achievements have strengthened its chances of securing another mandate.
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According to him, the administration is confident in its performance and has no reason to fear Obi’s growing political profile.
“This government is not afraid of Peter Obi. At one point, he may have been considered a threat, but today, he is no longer one because we are standing on the solid foundation of our performance,” Dare said.
He maintained that the Tinubu administration has taken deliberate steps to confront Nigeria’s economic and social challenges through policy reforms and strategic interventions.
“We have carefully studied the country’s problems and continue to roll out policies and programmes aimed at addressing them. We also have tangible achievements to show Nigerians,” he added.
Dare also took a swipe at Obi’s public engagements, criticizing his style of responding to national issues and suggesting that some of his interviews fail to provide direct answers to important questions.
“Peter Obi is not a nightmare to this government. If anything, some of his reactions are unnecessarily pedantic. Sometimes you listen to him respond to questions, and instead of giving clear answers, he goes around in circles in a way that leaves many people confused,” he stated.
On the prospects of the 2027 presidential election, Dare expressed confidence that Obi would be unable to repeat his 2023 feat in Lagos, where the former Labour Party presidential candidate defeated Tinubu during the presidential poll.
“Peter Obi defeated President Tinubu in Lagos in 2023, but this is a different political season. He will not defeat Tinubu in Lagos again,” Dare declared.
The comments come amid increasing political conversations over the 2027 general election, with opposition figures intensifying consultations while the ruling administration continues to defend its record in office.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has denied allegations linking the party and its governorship candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, to the recent wave of political violence rocking the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Speaking in Osogbo on Sunday, APC chieftain and former lawmaker, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, described the accusations as politically motivated, alleging that some desperate individuals were attempting to damage the party’s reputation for personal and electoral gains.
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He maintained that the APC has no connection with any individual or group involved in violence, intimidation, or attacks while claiming to represent the party.
Oyintiloye said the APC remains guided by the Omoluabi philosophy, which promotes integrity, discipline, honesty, justice, accountability, compassion, and selfless service, stressing that violence has never been part of the party’s political culture.
He condemned the recent killings in the state, insisting that no political contest or ambition should result in the loss of innocent lives.
According to him, the party completely rejects violence, lawlessness, and bloodshed in any form, adding that those behind the attacks should immediately abandon such acts because elections should never be decided through fear or violence.
The APC leader further stated that the party does not require intimidation or bloodshed to secure victory at the polls, expressing confidence that it can earn the people’s mandate through peaceful democratic participation.
He also dissociated the APC from anyone using the party’s name to commit criminal acts, warning that such individuals were acting for their own interests and not on behalf of the party.
Oyintiloye reaffirmed that the APC believes in the rule of law, peaceful coexistence, credible elections, and the constitutional right of citizens to freely choose their leaders without intimidation.
He appealed to party supporters, political stakeholders, security agencies, and residents of the state to remain calm, obey the law, and support ongoing investigations into the recent violence.
The APC chieftain also urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings and other criminal acts are identified and prosecuted, while calling on all political actors to place the peace, unity, and development of Osun State above partisan interests.
He expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones during the violence and prayed for strength and comfort for those affected by the tragic incidents.
The renewed appeal comes amid rising political tension in Osun State, where a series of violent attacks have claimed several lives as campaigns intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The Osun State Police Command has, however, assured residents that security operatives are working to restore calm and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The African Action Congress (AAC) candidate for the Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chioma Ifemeludike, has withdrawn from the 2027 senatorial race, citing personal convictions and recent developments she believes are inconsistent with her principles.
Ifemeludike, who also serves as the Deputy National Chairperson (South-East) of the AAC, emerged as the party’s consensus candidate during its primary election held in May.
She announced her withdrawal in a letter addressed to the party’s Acting National Chairperson, requesting that her name be removed from all records, processes and considerations relating to the Anambra Central Senatorial District senatorial candidature.
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In the letter, she said, “I hereby formally notify the National Working Committee and the leadership of the African Action Congress of my decision to withdraw my interest and aspiration to contest for the office of Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District under the platform of our great party in the 2027 General Elections.”
According to her, the decision followed careful reflection and aligns with her personal convictions, principles and commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of vulnerable members of society.
She explained that recent events further reinforced her decision, particularly what she described as the role played by Doris Ogala Umezurike in matters relating to the case of Baby Testimony and his physically challenged mother.
Ifemeludike stated, “I believe that the circumstances surrounding the matter contributed to prolonged distress, public embarrassment, and continued suffering for the child’s mother, while raising serious questions about the pursuit of justice for the child.”
She added that the incident had a major impact on her decision to abandon her senatorial ambition.
“These concerns have significantly influenced my decision to step away from my senatorial aspiration and focus on advocating for accountability, justice, and the protection of vulnerable members of society,” she said.
The AAC chieftain also appealed to the party leadership to ensure that her name is withdrawn from every process connected with the Anambra Central Senatorial District senatorial candidature.
Despite stepping down from the contest, Ifemeludike expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the African Action Congress for the opportunity and support they extended to her throughout the nomination process.
She reaffirmed her loyalty to the party, saying she remains committed to working for its success and the advancement of its vision, principles and objectives.
“Please accept my assurances of continued commitment to the vision, principles, and objectives of our great party,” she added.
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